After Dental Implant Surgery

What to expect after surgery

IN ORDER TO CONTROL BLEEDING ANO ESTABLISH A STABLE BLOOD CLOT:

  1. Firmly bite to the previously placed gauze pack for l - 2 hours. You may change the gauze as needed. Bite to a gauze-wrapped moist tea bag for stubborn bleeding control Please Note: In many cases gauze packs are not necessary and therefore may not be placed.
  2. Avoid active or forceful spitting or rinsing and the use of straws for 24 hours after surgery if active bleeding is present.
  3. Avoid hot liquids / food, carbonated or alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after surgery if active bleeding present.
  4. In order to promote healing and reduce discomfort, avoid the use of tobacco products.

DIET:

  1. First day meals:  Liquids water, ice tea, fruit juice, gelatin, broths, clear soups, soft foods (ice, shakes, pudding, substantial soups mashed potatoes, pasta, etc.)  
  2. Second day meals: Soft Foods (ice cream. shakes, pudding, substantial soups, mashed potatoes, pasta, etc.)
  3. Thereafter:  As you wish with good judgment and care, but tend towards softer foods for several days

 AVOID ALCOHOL WHEN ON ANY PAIN MEDICATIONS; EVEN OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS

ACTIVITY: Rest the day of surgery based upon how you feel, and avoid strenuous activity the first 48 hours. Use sound judgment and common sense based upon how you feel.

MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

  1. Begin warm salt water rinsing 12-24 hours after surgery (one-half teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. glass of warm water). Rinse 3-4 times per day and/or after mea
  2. Resume normal, but careful, routine oral hygiene 12-24 hours after surgery. You may or may not use toothpaste, as you wish.
  3. Remove any removable appliance after meals for cleaning and for routine oral hygiene and reinsert
  4. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes for one week, unless otherwise specified. Clean exposed Teflon membrane and healing abutments with moist (water) cotton-tip applicator or dipped in Peridex if prescribed.

TO REDUCE SWELLING:

  1. Apply ice packs to the external surgical area 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off, for 12 or more hours as needed. After 24 hours, ice packs have little benefit.
  2. Rest or sleep with your head elevated 30 or more degrees (2-3 pillows) for the first 12 or more hours.

MEDICATIONS:

  1.  Take all medications as needed. Finish all antibiotics if prescribed, to minimize the chance of infection.

What does recovery involve?

While each patient’s case is different, recovery after dental implant surgery happens in a series of phases. With your new dental implants, maintaining proper oral hygiene should be your primary focus. In order for the implant to properly fuse with the jawbone, it must remain clean. Also keep in mind that when properly cared for, a dental implant can serve its owner for life.

When maintaining proper hygiene, oral discomfort should gradually lessen. Swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding may still occur. If any pain does continue, feel free to continue using the pain medications.

Healing time differs depending on whether a patient receives immediate crown placement, or waits for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Your recovery timeframe will depend on your individual case and treatment plan; follow-up appointments will be scheduled accordingly.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.